Take time before you buy anything and shoot a few different guns. And don't just buy what's in the case. A lot of guns out there have features and options that you can order them with. Like a built in lock and various sights. So if you can't find exactly what options you want in a gun that fits you well, ask if it can be ordered the way you want it.

I really like the goal post sights the glocks have, but the m&p 9c fit my hands better and to me is a perfect size.

I have an M&P40c, I love it have put a few thousand flawless rounds through it. I also have a KAhr PM40, has about 500 rounds through it, with I think one fte. It is US made but owned by a koreon company. The M&P is about the biggest i would carry, still confortable but I know it is there, the Kahr is smaller and good for carrying in light cloths weather.

I have owned 4 XDm's and one XD and I love springfield.
I have lived within 5 miles of GLOCK in Georgia for the last year and a half and I can say they have excellent customer service and I have not heard of anyone that has had an issue with work being done on any of their guns, most people come out with a fully looked over gun and parts/mags replaced for free.....I just wish I liked them as much as everyone else.

I have owned 4 XDm's and one XD and I love springfield.
I have lived within 5 miles of GLOCK in Georgia for the last year and a half and I can say they have excellent customer service and I have not heard of anyone that has had an issue with work being done on any of their guns, most people come out with a fully looked over gun and parts/mags replaced for free.....I just wish I liked them as much as everyone else.

I have had a few carry guns and just recently changed to a Kahr k9. I like ability to carry the gun with a round in the chamber. It is very narrow and the barrel is lower on the pistol to manage recoil. First you need to choose a caliber and then figure out what guns fits your hand, and lifestyle. Personally I will hang a target at chest level 5 yards out and shoot a few mags with my eyes closed starting with my gun in the holster. I like a gun I can shoot from the hip or blind and still stay on target!

I like the Kahr 9's and 40's. Have shot a few and liked em alot. That being said I carry a Glock 22c. It sucks trying to carryl glocks cause most are the same thickness. 27 vs 23 vs 22 etc... What ever ya go with don't throw your $500 gun in a $5 holster. Ya see people do it all the time and complain about the way the gun carries. Spend some money and get something good. There are alot out there but naming a few, Crossbreed and Raven are pretty good.